Saturday, August 3, 2013

Authors Are Rockstars: Karen Ann Hopkins

We are so excited to be a part of this Tour, and we were very lucky to get paired with one of our VERY FAVORITE AUTHORS...

Karen Ann Hopkins

Here's why she's as awesome as the Catalina Wine Mixer!! Come meet...

OUR ROCKSTAR!!

Karen Ann Hopkins is a talented author that stands out in the YA Genre. She has done extensive research and participated in the Amish culture. Using her experiences, she has created the Temptation Series in which as readers, we are taken to another place, and learn the norms, rules, and expectations of the Amish Culture. Not only does she educate us about another culture, but she does it in such a way that you will become completely captivated by this series, and feel like you are living the lives of Rose and Noah. Their story is about a love that is so strong and forbidden by their cultural differences. They love each other, and are hanging on by a thread. They are willing to sacrifice anything to be together, but the question becomes, "Is love enough?" Ms. Hopkins is a Rockstar, that stands out from the masses! She takes a completely new spin on the theme of forbidden love. Her series is unique, authentic, realistic, and beautifully written. Ms. Hopkins descriptions are seamless, her characters well-developed, the plot is addictive with a ton of plot twists that you will never see coming, and the story is so fast paced that you will devour it in record time! Ms. Hopkins ROCKS! Her books ROCK, and she will TRANSPORT YOU! Read on and get to know her!

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How old were you when you first started writing, and what or who inspired you to begin your writing journey?
My writing career began unexpectedly when I moved from Tennessee to an Amish community in Northern Kentucky. Up until then, my writing experience was limited to local newspaper articles I prepared for the 4H equestrian activities I coached. Living among the Amish and observing the interactions between the Amish and non-Amish teens coming to my riding stable inspired me to write Noah and Rose’s story. I was in my late thirties when I took the plunge.
Where is your favorite place to write? How often do you write?
Because I have five children and a farm to care for, my writing time is limited to the middle of the night. A typical writing session for me starts at 10 pm and ends in the wee hours of the morning. Sometimes, if I’m lucky, I can get some writing in during the day, in between soccer, gymnastics and horse-back riding lessons. I enjoy writing in my bedroom, the front porch or in my car.

Are any of your characters based on someone you currently know or have met?
My characters are a mixture of many of the teens who I’ve come in contact with in the Amish community and over a fifteen year career in the equestrian youth training business. What is most important to you in your life?
My children for sure!
What are your top 5 goals for 2013?
Finish and market the YA fantasy that I’m currently working on, market the adult Amish mystery that I recently completed, coach my youth equestrian drill team to a higher competitive level, spend more play time with my kids and get my household more organized.

What are some of your interests/ hobbies?
Horse-back riding, caring for a menagerie of farm animals, hiking.
How did you come up with the idea for your Temptation Series?
Shortly after I moved from Tennessee to Kentucky and started up a new horse-back riding program, the local Amish teens began showing up at the arena. Before long I was coaching a sixteen member Amish drill team! It fascinated me to watch the flirtatious interactions between the Amish and non-Amish kids. When they were all on their horses, the cultural differences didn’t matter. It got me thinking about what would happen if two of them fell in love. The more I learned about my neighbor’s culture, the more excited I was to write about such a forbidden romance.

Of all genres you've ever written which is your Fav and is there any genre you would refuse to write in?
I’ve enjoyed contemporary YA, but I have a YA fantasy set in the mountains of Tennessee that I’m very excited about.

Who are some of your favorite authors, and favorite books written by them?
I love George R. R. Martin’s, Game of Thrones series and am currently reading A Dance With Dragons (it’s a very thick book and is taking me a while). Some of my favorites are Tolkien, and children writers, CS Lewis, SE Hinton and Walter Farley. I also enjoy Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series.
Do you have any information or teasers you'd like to share with your fans?
Forever is the third book in the Temptation series. It hits shelves in February, 2014 and the question of whether Noah and Rose will make it, is answered. There is a scene that brought my editor to tears and quite a bit of action in the last installment. Also, I got a sneak peek at the cover the other day, and it’s gorgeous—my favorite so far!

Sour, Sweet or Salty?Sweet and salty combined, like a tub of popcorn and a milk chocolate candy bar at the movies. Yum!

Mountains or Beach?Mountains!

Bookstore or Library?Bookstore.

Mac or PC?PC

eBook or Printed copy?Printed copy so I can sniff the pages!

SHORT ANSWER:

Where is the coolest you've ever been to? Why?
I assume you mean place. I traveled to Australia twice when I was younger, and absolutely love the country. There are so many outdoorsy activities and the citizens are down-to-earth and friendly. I hope to go back again soon to visit my friends there.

If you could visit anyplace in the world, where would you go? Why?
There are some exotic places on my wish list, like Patagonia and New Zealand, but if I had a free plane ticket for anywhere right now, I’d go to Sicily. My father’s family is from there and I’d love to visit the castle on the hill in the town where my grandmother grew up.

Best gift you've ever received? Why?
My graduation from high school gift from my parents was a beautiful Quarter-horse yearling. I trained her myself and went on the competitively barrel race her. She’s 25 years old now and I still trail ride her. Best gift ever!

Best gift you've ever given? Why?
In 2009 I took all my kids down to Florida for a proper vacation for the first time. Because of the cost, it took away from everyone’s birthday and Christmas gifts that year, but the enjoyment the kids had on the trip was priceless!

Thank You so much for your time. We appreciate it beyond words. We look forward to following your writing career, and reading more of your books. We love what you've written, and can't wait for the opportunity to read the third book in your Temptation Series!

I've read so many glowing reviews about this series and about the two main characters. At first I thought I didn't want to read it because I thought it was religious, but I realized that wasn't the case with all the reviews I've read.

And why is Karen Ann Hopkins a Rock Star? She's an AUTHOR! All Authors are ROCK STARS!!

I think she's a rock star because her books are quite popular and I've heard a ton of good things about this series. I actually own the first book but have been holding out for the rest so I can read them all back to back. Thank you for that chance!